The Governments of Laos and Thailand have held formal discussions on the proposed Sixth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, a major infrastructure project aimed at strengthening cross-border transport and trade between the two countries.
The proposed bridge will cross the Mekong River, linking Salavanh Province in southern Laos with Ubon Ratchathani Province in Thailand. The structure is expected to be about 1.6 km long and will form part of a broader transport corridor with approximately 23.4 km of connecting roads on both sides of the border. On the Thai side, a 4.3 km four-lane road will connect the bridge to an existing highway, while the Lao side will include a 17.5 km access road linking the bridge to National Road No. 13 South in Lakhonepheng district. Authorities in Laos are also considering upgrading the road to four lanes to accommodate future traffic demand.
The total project cost is estimated at about THB5.2 billion (approximately USD165 million). Under the proposed financing arrangement, Thailand is expected to cover around 55 per cent of construction costs, with Laos funding the remaining 45 per cent. Budget approval is anticipated in 2028, with construction planned to begin in 2029 and the bridge targeted to open in 2031.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to improve freight movement, reduce transport costs and enhance regional connectivity between Laos and Thailand, while also strengthening trade corridors linking the two countries with Vietnam and China.